PASS
Risk 2 (Medium)
THE WATERHOLE LOUNGE Passes Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
December 4, 2025
Canvass
License #81970
6
Total Violations
3
Critical
1
Major
2
Minor
Inspection Summary
This restaurant was inspected by the Chicago Department of Public Health on December 4, 2025. The inspection type was "Canvass" and resulted in a Pass outcome.
This establishment is classified as Risk 2 (Medium), which determines the inspection frequency and focus areas.
The inspector documented 6 violations during this inspection, including 3 critical violations that required immediate attention.
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
6
Violation #3
CRITICAL
Violation Details
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED
Why This Matters
Ill food workers cause 70% of foodborne outbreaks. Proper reporting prevents transmission of Norovirus, Hepatitis A, Salmonella, and other serious diseases.
Food Code Requirement
All food employees must understand and follow health reporting requirements and food safety responsibilities.
Specific Requirements
Employees must: Report illness symptoms and exposures; Be excluded/restricted when ill; Understand their role in preventing foodborne illness; Follow proper hygiene practices; Have signed health policy on file.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-201.11 - 2-201.13
Violation #5
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP KIT ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A VOMIT/DIARRHEA KIT ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
Why This Matters
Vomit and diarrhea contain millions of viral particles. One incident can contaminate entire facility and cause outbreak affecting dozens.
Food Code Requirement
Written procedures required for cleaning bodily fluid events to prevent disease transmission.
Specific Requirements
Written procedure must address: Isolating contaminated area; Removing and discarding affected food; Using proper PPE; Cleaning and sanitizing with appropriate concentration; Proper disposal of contaminated materials.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-501.11
Violation #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: REAR DOOR WITH A 1/4" GAP NOTED UNDERNEATH, MAKING THE DOOR NOT RODENT/INSECT PROOFED. INSTRUCTED TO RODENT/INSECT PROOF THE REAR DOOR AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
Food Code Requirement
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
Specific Requirements
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.111
Violation #53
MAJOR
Violation Details
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: THE TRASH RECEPTACLE IN THE WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM HAS NO LID. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A TRASH RECEPTACLE WITH A LID AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Inadequate facilities lead to poor hygiene and contamination.
Food Code Requirement
Toilet rooms must be properly equipped and maintained.
Specific Requirements
Self-closing doors; Toilet paper; Covered waste receptacles; Handwashing supplies; Cleaned regularly; Proper ventilation.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-302.11
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: FLOORS IN THE CORNER OF THE BAR AND IN THE BASEMENT WITH DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS.
Why This Matters
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Food Code Requirement
Building must be maintained in good condition.
Specific Requirements
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.11
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: FLOORS IN THE CORNER OF THE BAR AND IN THE BASEMENT WITH DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS.
Why This Matters
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Food Code Requirement
Building must be maintained in good condition.
Specific Requirements
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.11
Health Department Information
Department
Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH)
Division
Food Protection Program
Report Issues
Call 311 or File Online
More Information
CDPH Food Protection